The drive back was quiet, but his mind was still filled with the thoughts of his uncle Gerald and what he was probably planning. Gerald’s reach was far wider than he had expected. Every move he made seemed well articulated, especially with the mysterious man who even his team couldn't trace. But this fueled Alexander's determination to stop him.
When he arrived home, the house was eerily quiet. He expected to find Sophia asleep in her room, but as he made his way up to his bedroom, he was surprised to find her waiting for him, sitting on the edge of his bed.“Hey, why are you not asleep?” he asked softly, his voice filled with a mixture of amusement and affection.Sophia smiled, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him. “I wanted to wait for you.”He paused a little, touched by her words as he felt some warmth spread through him. No matter how chaotic his life was, Sophia was always there. She was his constant, grounding him in ways he couldn’tEncouraged by her response, he increased the pressure slightly, his movements more deliberate. Her hands gripped his thighs beneath the water, her nails digging into his skin as the tension built inside her. He nuzzled her neck, whispering sweet nothings between kisses. “I want you to feel everything, Sophia. Let go for me.” She relaxed, letting him get closer, feeling his hands gently touch her. It was like a soft conversation without words. She leaned in, letting him guide her, and the warmth between them grew. Slowly, he moved with care, drawing them even closer. The way their bodies felt so close created a comforting warmth. They didn’t need to speak; everything felt right at that moment. As they moved, their breathing grew a little quicker, but it wasn’t rushed. They found a quiet rhythm, like two people who knew each other well. Each small movement was a way to say, "I’m here," without needing to say more.
“Amelia!” Sophia gasped, tossing a pillow at her friend with a playful frown.Amelia laughed, ducking to avoid the pillow. “What? So you’re not going to spill the beans?”She teased her yearning for more juicy gossip and Sophia couldn't believe her friend. The atmosphere was filled with their laughter and chatting as they finally sat down with breakfast, even though it was already past 2 pm. After catching up on the usual gossip and updates, the mood shifted. Sophia leaned back against the couch, the weight of recent events pressing down on her.She began to tell Amelia everything that had happened over the past few days. She told her about the kidnapping, the tension with Gerald, and the constant feeling of danger lurking around the corner.Amelia listened intently, her face a mix of disbelief, worry, and sympathy. “I can’t believe all of this is happening. Marrying into a wealthy family sounded like a dream come true, with wealth, luxu
Alexander stood close to Sophia, his gaze intense as if he were seeing her for the first time. The anxiety of the past few days dissipated in that moment, and nothing else mattered. He gently cupped her face with his hand.“I missed you, my love,” he whispered softly before leaning in, capturing her lips gently.Sophia raised her head tilting it enough for him to deepen the kiss, surrendering herself to the warmth of his embrace. It felt as though the world outside had ceased to exist, leaving just the two of them. Alexander deepened the kiss, and Sophia melted in his every touch.Their kisses grew more intense as he guided her toward the bed, without breaking the kiss. The sheets rustled beneath them, and for a while, they let themselves forget everything, including Gerald's looming threat.After what felt like forever, they lay together, holding each other closely. Alexander brushed a strand of hair from Sophia’s face, gazing into her
David led Sophia to the corner of the living room, eager to show off his gaming skills. Alexander watched from the side, a smirk on his face.David handed her the controller. “Get ready to lose,” he said, already confident.But as soon as the game started, Sophia moved quickly, catching him off guard. She played smart, and before long, she was winning.David blinked. “Wait… what? You’re really good at this.”Sophia didn’t look up, focused on the screen. “Told you I could handle it.”In the end, Sophia won. David sat back, shocked. “I can’t believe you beat me.”Alexander looked at him with a smirk as if saying. “Never underestimate my wife.”David stood up, rubbing his head, not wanting to give up yet. “Alright, you’re cool and I admit defeat. But we must have a rematch soon.”Sophia smiled. “Anytime.”He was more curious now. “How long have you been gaming?”Sophia shrugged. “I used to play a
Sophia’s eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn’t expected anything like this. She covered her mouth in shock, trying to process the gesture. As a designer, she could tell instantly that the necklace was not just expensive. It was a valuable masterpiece. The diamonds were cut with precision, and the gold setting gleamed with a subtle elegance. It was worth more than anything she could have imagined. "Grandma, I… I can't accept this. It’s too valuable," she stammered, feeling overwhelmed. But Elena, with a knowing smile, shook her head. "It’s yours, dear. No one else in this family is worthy of wearing it." Sophia hesitated, still unsure. She looked at Alexander for support, her gaze softening. Alexander gave her a reassuring nod, signaling that it was okay to accept it. With a deep breath, Sophia finally spoke. "Thank you so much, Grandma. I’ll treasure it." Elena’s eyes twinkled with joy as she laughed. "You sh
Alexander met her eyes and smiled, trying to assure her."Yeah, everything's fine." He said, though his thoughts were already distorted.The night had just begun, and he had a feeling it was going to be far more complicated than he’d anticipated.Sophia, still holding his hand, saw the woman sitting in a corner. She didn’t know all the history, but it was clear she wasn’t just another friend. As soon as Alexander’s grip on her hand tightened, she knew this wasn’t going to be a pleasant reunion.The woman watched them closely, without bothering to hide her attention. She set her wine glass down with a soft clink, stood up, and walked toward Alexander.Her expression was calm, but her eyes were fixed only on him.“Alexander,” she said, using his full name. Her voice was polite but edged with something else. “It’s been a while.” Alexander's jaw tightened, and his smile vanished. “Miss Jason,” he said, the words coming out colde
Sophia stood at the sink in the restroom, splashing cool water on her face. She took a moment to breathe, steadying herself. Jessica’s snide comments and the way she had been gazing at Alexander all night were hard to ignore. The woman’s intentions were clear, but Sophia wasn’t sure if she was ready to handle her.As she straightened up, the restroom door creaked open. She turned to see Jessica walking in, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. “Speaking of the devil!” She cursed inwardly.The woman’s confident stride and cold smirk made her stomach churn. Jessica closed the door behind her, leaning against it as if she had all the time in the world.“Miss Blackwell, you seem like someone who just came from the war,” Jessica commented, giving her a sly smile.“Oh do I, Miss Jason?” Why don't I feel it?” Sophia replied, uninterested, as she wiped the water droplets from her face.Jessica didn't like the attitude Sophia was giving her.
Alexander immediately pulled over, concern etched on his face. "Sophia, what’s wrong?" She opened the door without hesitation. "I just remembered I have other errands to run." "Honey, come on," Alexander said, stepping out of the car. "Let’s talk about this." She turned to him, her voice sharp and unwavering. "There’s nothing to talk about. I’ll see you later." Before he could respond, she added, "And don’t follow me." Jessica leaned her head out of the window, her expression smug and amused, but Sophia didn’t spare her a glance. She walked away with her head held high, disappearing into the night. Alexander froze, torn between stopping her and respecting her wishes. He watched as she stormed off, frustration building up in his gut. He wanted to run after her, to fix everything, even if it meant kicking Jessica out. But he knew she was very angry right now. Chasing after her would com
Once inside, Nina saw an elegant looking young woman, probably in her twenties, adjusting her makeup in the washroom mirror.She looked like the kind of woman who never checks price tags because everything about her screamed wealthy.She was dressed in a silky white blouse tucked neatly into caramel-colored trousers that hugged her just right.Her heels were sharp, shiny, and expensive. Even her designer handbag, resting by the sink, looked like it had its own security detail.Her makeup was impossible to miss; long lashes, bold red lips, heavy eyeliner, and skin so smooth it looked airbrushed.Her black hair hung straight and sleek down her back, parted perfectly in the middle.She didn’t need to say anything. Just standing there, fixing her lipstick in the mirror, she looked like someone who was used to getting her way.***Meanwhile, in the tallest building in Eldridge City, the Evans Tower, Alexander sat at his desk as he listened to Mark deliver the financial reports.After Mark
After a brief chat and a few hugs, Alexander and Sophia walked off toward their car. A man in black opened the door for them as the sleek vehicle purred to life and pulled away slowly.Amelia and Michael remained behind watching their car until it disappeared.“You missed your chance to score a hug,” Michael teased.Amelia rolled her eyes. “And you missed your chance to shut up.”“Okay, ma’am. Your ride is waiting. Shall we?” he said, leading her to the car.Amelia didn’t object. She nodded and followed him.Sophia arrived at Allure Fashion at 10 AM, and after catching up with her colleagues, she dove into work immediately.Nina watched her silently from her desk, but Sophia could tell she didn’t plan to cause any more trouble. At least not for now.Relieved, she focused on polishing her pending designs.Lunchtime arrived so fast before she could realize it.It was Emily who approached her desk, reminding her cheerfully."Hey girl, let's go grab something. You can't focus with an empt
“What is it?” He turned around, eyeing her vigilantly.“Can you promise me that no one will ever find out about this, please? Not even Sophia,” she requested.Alexander paused, overwhelmed with guilt. If he had been more careful, none of this would have happened.“Okay, you have my word,” he promised and left the room.As the door clicked shut, Jessica’s trembling lips slowly curled into a cunning smile.“And the game has just begun. Sophia... I hope you’re ready, darling,” she whispered, wiping away her fake tears.By the time Alexander settled, it was already past 1 AM. He checked his phone and was shocked to find several missed calls from Sophia.“Oh no, I forgot to update her!” he mumbled, his muscles tensing as he raked a hand through his hair.It was too late to call her now!With a heavy sigh, he sent her a text:‘Hi honey, I hope you’re doing well. Sorry, I had an emergency to deal with and I couldn’t answer your calls. Talk tomorrow. Goodnight. I love you!’After that, he dia
Back in Sadrova restaurant, Alexander emerged from the bathroom after several knocks on the door.He wrapped a towel around his waist and opened the door.Tim hurried in with his bag. He looked just like any other thirty-year-old guy who happened to be on duty. His white doctor’s coat was slightly creased like he’d rushed out of the hospital without a second thought. Underneath, he had on a black T-shirt and jeans, just something comfortable for a long shift. A stethoscope still hung around his neck, probably out of habit more than anything. His glasses gave him a smart, slightly serious look, but there was an easygoing air about him.“What took you so long?” Alexander asked, masking the discomfort in his body."I left my patients waiting just to come here, and you're complaining?" Tim asked casually, placing his bag on the couch.Alexander just snorted, glaring at him before making his way to the couch.Tim didn’t waste time once he saw Alexander’s condition. He quickly prepared a s
Alexander closed his eyes tightly, unwilling to look at her. Images of Sophia flooded his mind.“No, I can’t let this happen. I won’t,” he muttered, biting his lower lip hard as if the pain would fight off the drug’s effect.He struggled to wake up again, pushing Jessica away. She tried to resist but this time, Alexander shoved her harder, and she fell from the bed.He didn't even spare her a glance; he quickly bent toward the bedside table, grabbed his phone, and staggered out of the room.He struggled to walk in the hallway, holding on to the wall for support.When he reached the next suite, he found a couple holding each other as they were about to make their way in.The man opened the door with a gentlemanly smile, signaling to the lady to get in first.Before the woman could react, Alexander snatched the room card and staggered inside leaving the words, “Sorry, I need to use the room.”Before the man could react, he had already locked the door from the inside.“Damn it!” The man
Meanwhile, back in Hawthorne's ancestral home, Marcus knocked on his grandpa's bedroom, casually tucking his other hand into his pants pocket.After Raphael murmured from inside, he pushed the door open and walked inside. The room was dimly lit, with a bedside lamp casting a soft amber glow over the space. The air held a comforting mix of lavender and woody from the old oak furniture.A large, neatly made bed stood against the far wall, its thick duvet turned down slightly, perhaps he was ready for bedtime.An antique clock ticked quietly on the wall, and a pair of slippers sat perfectly aligned by the edge of a plush rug.Raphael was seated on a couch near the window with a steaming cup of tea on the small table in front of him. Despite the warmth in the room, he had a shawl draped over his shoulders, and the lines on his face seemed deeper under the soft light.He seemed to have aged more since the last time Marcus saw him. “Grandpa,” he greeted.“Sit,” Raphael said, pointing at t
Chapter 124: Alexander's Helpless Alexander’s jaw clenched and his eyes darkened. The tension in the room grew so thick that it felt like the air itself was pressing down on everyone. Mark turned to him apologetically, “Sorry, boss, I will...” “It's okay. You can go.” Alexander cut him off coldly. Then he added, “Mark, you can take your leave. You will be rewarded for today." He had just remembered it was supposed to be Mark's off day. “Thank you, boss.” Mark nodded happily before walking out, knowing that his boss didn't blame him. Bullock swallowed hard as he stood up to face Jessica. “Miss Jason, whatever deal we had with your father is being handled by my secretary. Please go speak to her,” he said politely. “I just did that but she couldn't give me any substantial explanation. That's why I came to look for you,” Jessica said with a righteous voice, sounding offended. “I'll look for Mr Jason myself and give him an explanation,” Bruno said, trying to send Jessica aw
“You're the pride of the Hawthornes, my dear. That Sophia was our bad luck; Look at how we're prospering now that she's gone. My son is more accomplished now that she isn't here to drag him behind.” Evelyn clapped like a child who just won a prize, her eyes glowing with pride. She walked over to Marcus and patted his shoulder like he’d just won a major award. “I’m so proud of you, son.” “Marcus, I hope you're not still dreaming of bringing her back,” Lauren scoffed, tilting her chin up in distaste. Marcus leaned back lazily, his arms spread across the back of the couch. He smirked, brushing invisible dust from his shirt like a king making a declaration. “Sophia will be mine sooner or later..." “Marcus, you're just digging your own grave. Go see your grandpa now.” His father's angry voice came from upstairs interrupting them. “So it's true you don't believe in me, Dad. Is that why you stepped down?” Marcus turned to him with his face full of disappointment. His fathe
“Wait… why are you so quick to defend yourself?” Sophia laughed out, amused.“Well, that's because I hate slander. But you know I'm not lying, right?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders. “Yes. You two are gentlemen. The girl who ends up with you will be the luckiest,” she said, winking at Amelia.“Did you hear that?” Michael turned to Amelia proudly. “You two are impossible.” Amelia stomped her foot and walked away to hide her flushing face.***Meanwhile, Alexander watched silently as his phone disconnected. “I need to deal with Jessica quickly or it will affect my relationship with Sophia,” he muttered before walking back to the coffee shop with a resolute face. “Have you made up your mind?” he asked as he sat down. “You said you can fulfill any of my wishes, right?” Jessica asked, putting her phone on the table. “Anything within my capability,” Alexander said, leaning on his seat. “Then divorce Sophia and marry me.” She dared him. The moment the last word left her mouth, the